Fishpole Hoist Maintenance Requirements

Fishpole Hoists are specialized, single attachment point hoists used extensively in the aviation industry for close quarter lifting. They are specifically designed for use in tight, hard to reach locations where other types of hoists cannot be used. They are usually operated by a crank and gear type handle instead of the usual lever or hand chain on most hoists and they somewhat resemble a fishing pole, which gives them their name.

Fishpole Hoists permit rapid installation and removal of components that typically weigh 1000 lbs. or less, such as flap actuators, auxiliary power units, aircraft batteries and various engine and cabin accessories. There are both manual and powered versions and most models are equipped with a telescoping barrel and allow for the interchangeability of attachment point assemblies, providing flexibility for multiple lifting applications.

Maintenance and Inspection

Preventive maintenance and visual inspections need to be performed on the hoists regularly. There are 3 main types of inspections that are required to be performed, a Pre-Operation Inspection that should be performed before the hoist is used at the beginning of each shift, a Frequent Inspection that should be performed monthly and a Periodic Inspection that should be performed yearly. If the hoist has been subjected to adverse environmental conditions or excessive use or overloading, more frequent maintenance inspections should be made.

Each of these inspections must be performed by a qualified maintenance person. Standard ASME B30.21 contains specific information on the inspection process for these types of hoists.

Pre-Operation Inspection – For the Pre-Operation Inspection, the operating mechanisms are inspected and tested for proper operation. All hooks or latches are inspected for damage or wear. The load-bearing material, such as chain, rope, cable or web strap should be inspected for cuts, nicks, corrosion, twisting or stretching of the material or other obvious damage. Special attention should be made to the areas where the material repeatedly contacts sprockets or pulleys.

If it is found that the load-bearing material is damaged, it should always be fully replaced using parts approved by the manufacturer. The load-bearing material should never be repaired.

Frequent Inspection – The Frequent Inspection involves all of the inspections listed for the Pre-Operation Inspection and includes the inspection of the hoist body and lever or crank for deformation, cracks, or other damage and the inspection of the supporting structure or trolley. All safety features, such as the load brakes and overtravel restraints are also tested for proper operation.

Periodic Inspection – For this inspection, the covers and other items that house components are removed to allow the inspection of the internal components for damage or wear. Periodic Inspections may be performed at the hoist location or it can be returned to the manufacturer or other authorized maintenance facility.

In addition to the requirements of the previous inspections, periodic inspections include the inspection of:

• all frame fasteners, rivets and bolts for evidence of damage or loosening,
• inspection of internal components such as gears, bushings, bearings, locking pins or rings, and ratchet mechanisms for evidence of wear, cracking, corrosion or other damage,
• end connections, swivels, pulleys and hoist mounting for evidence of damage or missing components,
• and that all required warning labels are present and legible.

Load Testing

Load testing of the Fishpole Hoist should also be performed annually as part of the annual maintenance. Any hoists that have been repaired, had load-bearing parts replaced or hoists that have not been used within the previous 12 months must also be load tested prior to use to ensure safe operation.

First, the full operation of the hoist is tested in an unloaded condition. Then a nominal weight of approximately 50 lbs. is lifted to test the hoist’s ability to lift and lower the load properly. Then the hoist is tested fully loaded with a load of between 100 and 125% of the rated capacity unless a different load is recommended by the hoist manufacturer or the qualified person performing the load test.

The hoist must operate properly at the full load test. The hoist is then inspected to ensure that the full load did not cause additional damage to the lifting components.

The load test requires that a written report be prepared and placed on file to provide documentation that it was completed and for continuing evaluation. Markings or labeling on the hoist of the testing date is also often used for the identification of the load test verification.

e2b calibration can perform the periodic inspections and load tests on many different types of hoists, including Fishpole Hoists. For more information on our full inspection and testing capabilities, contact e2b calibration.